|
Transportation Must be a Top Issue in November's Election
As we are rapidly approaching November's elections, VBT would like to remind you that it is critical to reach out to candidates to let them know that it's time for a long-term, dedicated, multi-modal, statewide transportation funding solution.
Virginia's transportation infrastructure simply cannot afford to continue to go unfunded and our candidates must address the issue and be prepared to implement solutions.
To write an e-mail message or letter to your candidates, click here.
00000
Transportation Funding Update
In a recent presentation to Virginia FREE, Secretary of Transportation Pierce R. Homer addressed the commonwealth's diminishing transportation funding levels.
The commonwealth's lack of sustainable funding is largely due to the fact that almost two thirds of Virginia's transportation revenues are tied to fuel purchases and auto sales.
The purchasing power of the fuel or gas tax has eroded since the last tax increase in 1987. For the current fuel tax to reach the same level of funding that it contributed in 1987 it would need to be doubled.
Additionally, the purchasing power of the motor vehicle sales tax has been reduced due to increased construction costs.
At this time the commonwealth is facing $1 billion in immediate interstate and primary pavement needs; $3.7 billion to replace all deficient bridge structures; and an annual maintenance deficit of $575-625 million.
We must have a long-term, dedicated, multi-modal, statewide transportation funding solution.
To view Secretary Homer's entire presentation, click here.
00000
Transit Funding is a Part of the Solution
Quality public transportation benefits all Virginians by reducing traffic congestion and increasing mobility. It connects people with jobs, medical facilities, retail establishments, educational institutions, and recreational and tourist sites.
The following facts help illustrate the commonwealth's current transit situation:
- Every year more Virginians are choosing to take transit. Ridership grew 19 percent from 2003 to 2007 and by 6 percent during the past year despite declining fuel prices.
- Virginia faces a current transit capital backlog of $241 million and during the next 10 years it will grow to $2.08 billion at a time when an increase in service is crucial to meet the growth in rider demand.
- Every $20 million in transit investments yields $62 million in business sales; every $1 billion in transit investments supports and creates 30,000 jobs (2/3 are "Green Jobs").
For additional information about Virginia's transit needs, click here.
00000
What the Candidates are Saying
- The Daily Press: In a recent article that addresses both gubernatorial candidates' approaches to transportation funding, Democratic candidate Creigh Deeds said, "Honestly, we have to deal with transportation. We can pretend it's not an issue. But if that's the kind of leadership you want, then don't vote for me." To read the entire article, click here.
- The Washington Post: Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell writes, "I am the only candidate in this race with a specific transportation plan. On July 21, I stood on a parking deck overlooking Interstate 66 in Arlington and outlined my 19-page plan. It consists of 12 separate funding mechanisms that will get long-needed projects underway and provide $1.4 billion annually in new revenue for transportation. We will widen I-66 inside and outside the Beltway, get HOT lanes built on Interstates 95 and 395 and expand Metro to Dulles International Airport. And we will pass legislation to keep a portion of sales tax revenue from Northern Virginia in Northern Virginia for transportation. This region sends a lot to Richmond. It doesn't get enough back." To read McDonnell’s entire piece, click here.
- Roanoke Times: In an article that covers the candidates from the 17th District's responses at a recent forum in Roanoke, Democratic candidate Gwen Mason said that the state needs to do a better job maintaining its roads and facilities, and if it comes down to it she'll consider voting for a tax increase to do it.
In the same article, Republican candidate Bill Cleveland said that he would look for inefficiencies in the Virginia Department of Transportation, use money from privatizing state liquor sales and eventually use money generated by drilling for oil off the state's shores. To read the entire article, click here.
- News Virginian: In an article that addresses the political race in the 25th District, Delegate Steve Landes said that he wants to find a solution to transportation that "does not increase the tax burden on working men and women of Virginia." The options Landes would consider to raise money for transportation include the use of bonds, further efficiencies in the operation of VDOT, privatizing more services and the use of tolls if it does not affect the Shenandoah Valley adversely. To read the entire article, click here.
00000
For more information about the transportation funding crisis or Virginians for Better Transportation, call 804-237-1399 or click here. to visit the It's Time Web site.
VBT operates www.itstimevirginia.org. VBT regards the privacy and security of user information as a critical component of the service we offer. The following information explains our information gathering and dissemination practices. If you choose to register your company or organization as a supporter, your company or organization name may be included in campaign materials. We use Registration Data to send you information and to keep you informed. VBT also uses Registration Data to tailor our Web site to your particular needs. We use demographic and profile information to tailor your experience at our site, showing you the content that we think you might be interested in as well as displaying the content according to your preferences. You may choose to stop receiving future communications from us. Please see the Privacy Policy on the It's Time Web site.
|
